Method and apparatus for storing and retrieving profile data for electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A method and system for backing up and restoring personal data are provided. The method includes communicating with a first communication device over a first communication connection when the first communication device detects changes to personal data stored in a first communication device; receiving the changed personal data over the first communication connection; performing a backup function by receiving the changed personal data from the first communication device; automatically communicating with a second communication device that is associated with a same user account as a user account associated with the first communication device, over a second communication connection upon performing the backup function; and automatically performing a restore function by transmitting the changed personal data to the second communication device over the second communication connection upon performing the backup function.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/966,994 filed on Aug. 14, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/030,777 filed on Feb. 13, 2008, which isa continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/409,332filed on Apr. 7, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/370,640 filed Apr. 5, 2002 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/419,290 filed Oct. 15, 2002, theentire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for achievingand retrieving data from electronic devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cellular telephone handsets and PDAs (Personal Data Assistants) have hada similar evolution in that cell phone functions and applications havebeen growing rapidly. Cell phones may be personalized for contact lists,ring tones, text style, initial screen images, date and time display,and many other standard functions. In fact, in GSM phones there are overeighty entries for user-personalized data. In addition, personal data inthe form of phone book entries, stored images, audio files, favoriteradio stations, calendar and appointment books, financial data(electronic wallets), and stocks to watch are now being stored in thecell phone.

With such a wealth of stored data, a problem arises if the phone is lostor stolen, or ceases to function from electronic failure or dropping ofthe phone. In these events, all of the data may be lost and it can beextremely difficult and time consuming, if not impossible, to recreatethe data in a new device.

While some personal devices such as PDAs are routinely backed-up orsynchronized with a personal computer (PC), a PC is not always availablein the time or place where the phone is lost. Most cell phones do nothave a standard synchronization mechanism, and new standards such asSyncML only handle portions of the user data, require an Internetconnection and account, and a synchronization PC. These services alsorequire a high speed data connection, which may be expensive andunderutilized by the average consumer.

Other patents appear to try to make the data stored in mobile devicesmore transportable. Tsai (U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,372) and Baranowski(WO01/43408 A1) appear to describe devices that may be attached totelephones to transfer and store data. Jacobs (WO98/34203) appears todescribe a cell phone that stores financial account numbers and teachesan interface to allow the numbers to be selected for use in transactionsand transmitted to banking systems for verification. Jonsson (U.S. Pat.No. 5,583,917) appears to show how user service profiles, i.e. theprovider's record of services available to the user, can be stored andmoved around a wireless network to provide faster connection times.Kumagai (U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,983) appears to suggest how the personaldata for several operators may be stored within a wireless device andselected. Reference JP-A-21884/1994 appears to describe how a mastermachine connected via a cable channel can download profile settings forindividual operators to a slave machine. Henrick (U.S. Pat. No.5,940,752) appears to describe remote programming of data from a PC to awireless terminal.

The references above fail to provide an archival method for loading andreloading cell phone, PDA, or wireless device wherein:

-   -   1) No additional devices, software, or computers are required of        the user.    -   2) All interaction, user interfaces, and control are supplied by        the wireless device.    -   3) Data is first uploaded out of the wireless device to populate        the entries in the database.    -   4) Data stored in a remote network may be altered and/or        downloaded into another device.    -   5) The remote network is independent of the actual wireless        terminal, wireless network, or data transport layer used to make        the connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do notnecessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

-   -   the ability to restore data to a wireless device without        additional devices, software, or computers being required of a        user;    -   the ability to remotely store data associated with a wireless        device without additional devices, software, or computers being        required of a user;    -   use data stored in a wireless device to populate entries in a        remote database; alter data stored remotely;    -   transmit data stored remotely to a device different than the        device from which the data originally came;    -   convert wireless device data into a format independent of the        identity of the wireless device;    -   provide a remote network that is independent of the actual        wireless terminal, wireless network, or data transport lawyer        used to make the connection between the wireless device and the        remote network;    -   provide an archival system where all interaction, user        interfaces, and control are supplied by the wireless device;    -   allow data stored remotely to be transmitted to wireless devices        of multiple users,    -   allow archival functions to occur by user action or to occur        automatically; and    -   allow archival functions to be initiated by a remote network or        by the wireless device.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remainingportions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

A method for backing up and restoring personal data is provided. Themethod includes communicating with a first communication device over afirst communication connection when the first communication devicedetects changes to personal data stored in a first communication device;receiving the changed personal data over the first communicationconnection; performing a backup function by receiving the changedpersonal data from the first communication device; automaticallycommunicating with a second communication device that is associated witha same user account as a user account associated with the firstcommunication device, over a second communication connection uponperforming the backup function; and automatically performing a restorefunction by transmitting the changed personal data to the secondcommunication device over the second communication connection uponperforming the backup function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent from the following detailed descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is substantially a block diagram of the server/applicationsoftware of the invention;

FIG. 2 is substantially the sequence of events experienced by the userin normal operation;

FIG. 3 is substantially a flowchart of the system functions for the userto initiate the service and operation thereof; and

FIG. 4 is substantially a schematic diagram of one embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the presentinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form apart of this application. The drawings show, way of illustration,specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structuralchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

The present invention comprises a method whereby a user can make a callto a predefined telephone number, either a toll free (800 number) or aservice fee (900 number) service. The method may also be initiatedthrough a number shortcut (Short Number) or a menu entry stored in awireless device, such as a phone. If no service has been established forthat phone, the user may be prompted to establish service and supply apersonal identification number (PIN). Once service and personalidentification are established, the application may prompt whether theuser wishes to archive or restore their personal data. Once an option isselected, the call may terminate.

After termination, a second background transaction may begin with thephone, usually without any indication to the user. In most phones, thiswould occur over the Small Messaging Service (SMS) channel of the phone,but the service may be independent of the data transport layer used by aparticular service provider. Other channels may be available dependingon the phone service and type, for example GPRS, SyncML, and 3GPPservices. These back-channel communication applications may perform thearchive or restore function (collectively referred to as archivalfunctions), and a text message may be sent to the user at the completionof the process with notification of successful completion or errors.

The use of the same number for restore operations may allow a new phone(wireless phone, such cellular phones) or portable device to bepurchased anywhere in the world, and the profiles and data restored atany time. As a consequence of being able to restore any user profilebased on a phone number and a PIN, multiple people may share a singlephone, such as can happen when employees share an “on-call” cellular, orfamily members share a single phone, and each may restore his or herpersonal settings when in use.

As shown in FIG. 1, a server system 1 exists with a connection towireless service providers, Small Message Service Centers (SMSC), and/orthe Internet. Other connections may be required depending on thetechnology used by the service provider. The user's primary interface tothe system is through the user's wireless device 2. Wireless device 2may be a cellular phone, wireless phone, PDA, palm or laptop computer,and other similar devices known in the art. The wireless device maydrive contact to the system through the Initiator 3. Again, depending onthe preferred method of the service provider, the initiator sequence maybe an SMS message, a voice connection (800, 900, or local call, etc.), awireless Web browser, or JAVA/WAP application, for example.

In another embodiment, a small application program may be installed onthe cell phone (or other device) itself to provide a menu entry for thearchive/restore operation, rather than dialing a stored number. Themethod of contact initiation and the data carrier can be any supportedtechnology. The originating phone number (and optionally, PIN number)may be supplied in the message. This part of the user interaction isalso detailed in FIG. 3 user initiate message 16 and as time sequence TOin the timeline depicted in FIG. 2.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in T1, initiator 3 forwardsthe information in the contact message to the application server 1.

The server then begins communication with the wireless device. In FIG.3, the first operation 17 may be to determine if the phone numberforwarded by the initiator matches an existing account. If so, then theserver checks the message to see if the PIN number was automaticallytransmitted in the original message. This is optional to simplify theuser interface and remove one interaction step required of the user. Ifno account exists for this user, one may be established in step 19.Depending on the network provider, billing may be automaticallyestablished in the user account, or a credit card account number may berequired to establish service. In either case, two messages may be sentto the user to (A) provide a final confirmation to establish a newbilling account, and (B) to establish a PIN number for the account. Ifthe user has changed phone numbers, the old phone number used for theaccount may be entered in 27.

If the account exists and no PIN number was supplied, the user may beprompted to enter the identification number 18. If the number is invalidor the request times out, the user may be allowed a certain number oftimes, for example three tries, 20 to enter the correct PIN. If allattempts fail, an error message may be transmitted to the device, thecall may be terminated, and security may be notified 21.

With a valid account and PIN number, the system can now transmit a menuto the user, who can select the function to be performed. In anotherembodiment, the interface can be simplified by providing differentinitiator messages, menus, or numbers for each function.

The interface next establishes which archival function—usually Archiveor Restore—the user desires, 22. In order to support a number ofdifferent devices, a set of Style Sheets 7 (FIG. 1) may be read by theMenu Layer 8 to format the messages of the server and initiatorappropriately for a given wireless device. The system may also allowmultiple sets of data to be stored for each account.

With reference to FIG. 3, at 23, if the user has selected the Archivefunction, and if a data set already exists, an additional menu mayprompt the user to determine if the original data should be overwrittenor a new set established. If multiple sets already exists, the user mayselect to overwrite one of the existing sets or establish a new one.

For the Restore function 25, if no data sets exist an error message maybe initiated. If exactly one set exists, the system may proceed directlyto the Restore function. If multiple sets exist, the user may beprompted through a menu to select which data set to restore. Once thefunction and all parameters are established, the initial call may beterminated.

In a present embodiment, the server then initiates a background datacommunications channel with the wireless device, represented at T3 inFIG. 2. The background communications channel may be through SMSmessaging, GPRS data packets, SyncML protocol, or any other means asdictated by the wireless network provider. If an Archive function isselected (illustrated in FIG. 3 at 24), data from the device may beuploaded to the server and stored in the user's account.

With reference to FIG. 1, Upload Converter 4 may convert the data to ahardware-independent format before storage. Security in the form ofencryption of the data may be applied within the wireless device and inthe server system 5. In some cases the encryption function may be builtinto the wireless device, and in some cases additional software may needto be downloaded to the device before the data transfer. The purpose ofthe security may protect the user's data from eavesdropping whentraversing the wireless network.

If the Restore function is selected (FIG. 3, 26), the user's data may bedownloaded to the device. As with the Archive function, security may beapplied to encrypt the data stream. The Download Converter 10 may checkthe exact type of hardware that is receiving the data stream, and mayneed to reformat the stored data to be compliant with the device. Thisfunction may allow the user to change devices within the Archive/Restoresequence. This is often required in the case of uploading data from acellular phone and then restoring to a PDA, or if the user decides toupgrade to a new phone model after loss of the original phone.

Internet access over the World Wide Web 9 may also be supported,allowing the user the option to set up accounts, alter stored data, orinitiate services from their personal computer, as well as theirwireless device.

In another embodiment, a stored application program may automaticallyperform the archive procedure periodically, or whenever changes are madeto stored files.

In another embodiment, the archive service provider may work with adatabase supplied by the user, or a group of users, to upload, modify,and then download changes to the shared data. For example, a sharedcontact database for a company may be stored by the archive serviceprovider, and when the user's archive is completed it may be compared tothe company database and new numbers added to the user's phone list, andsubsequently downloaded, to automatically update his or her list.

In another embodiment, personalization and user data from a portabledevice capable of being synchronized with a personal computer may beuploaded from the PC to the service provider to make that data availablefor restoration at any time or place.

In another embodiment, global or local changes to existing contact data,such as an area code change or the change of a user's telephone number,could be automatically propagated to all users whose contacts databasematches the change.

In another embodiment, the service could select the data transport layermost appropriate for each device. For example, most phones have theability to send and receive SMS messages, but only a few users actuallyrequest/pay for GPRS or World Wide Web access. The application mayselect the fastest/most appropriate carrier available on the givendevice.

In another embodiment, the archive and restore applications, and/or theaccess numbers associated with the applications, could be split suchthat a different application or a different access number are utilizedfor each.

In another embodiment, the handset application might not disconnect, butprovide a visible user interface and progress indication to the userthroughout the backup or restore operation.

In another embodiment, a voice-activated dialup service might be used toinitiate the application, or to establish accounts or initiate thedownload of the application software to the handset.

In another embodiment, an Internet browser, either on a personalcomputer or the wireless handset, could be used to initiate theapplication, establish or modify accounts, or download the applicationsoftware.

In another embodiment, security software could encrypt the data streamto prevent unauthorized interception of the user's data.

Computer source code (in the C++ programming language) illustratingvarious embodiments of the invention is provided in a concurrently filed(Apr. 7, 2003) provisional patent application. The entirety of thisprovisional application is hereby expressly incorporated by referenceinto the present application.

As seen in FIG. 4, the present invention also comprises a system 40 fortransferring information between personal devices. System 40 comprisesstorage device 42 that is used to store information from one or morepersonal device 44. Storage device 42 may be accessed by personal device44 via communication device 46 and many different communicationprotocols and methods of communication may be used, such as thosepreviously discussed. Storage device 42 may be a computer server incommunication with one or more hard drives or other mass storagedevices. The user of personal device 44 may indicate some or all ofinformation stored on storage device 42 as being available for download.This information may include any class or kind of information, such astext, pictures, videos, web site addresses, phone numbers, sound, music,locations, device preferences, programs and lists.

Once information is stored on storage device 42, it may be madeavailable for others to access. A user using personal device 50 may beable to use or download the information from storage device 42.

Various fees may be charged for allowing users to store or accessinformation. For example, a user may be charged a fee each time the useraccesses storage device 42 or downloads information from the device. Inthe alternative, information storage and access may be included as partof the normal service by a communication provider.

In another embodiment storage device 42 does not store the information,but only stores the location of the information. The information mayhave a unique address that is capable of directing users to theinformation. For example, a user of personal device 44 may indicate thatcertain information is to be made available to others. This may be doneby checking a box or putting a file with the information in a designatedfolder. The information may be available to various groups of people.For example, only designated people or devices may have access to theinformation and the accessing party may need a password or code toobtain access to the information.

The information may be assigned a unique name or address. Identifyinginformation is then transmitted to storage device 42. The identifyinginformation may include descriptive material that can be used by othersto locate the information. The descriptive material may include title,author, date, an abstract, etc. The descriptive material may begenerated by a user or it may be generated automatically by softwarethat is capable of searching for the appropriate information. A user ofpersonal device 50 may then become aware of the information by searchingthrough the device. Searching may be performed using key words. Inanother embodiment, the user of personal device 50 may become aware ofthe availability of the information through a text message, email orother notification.

Once personal device 50 obtains the address or location of theinformation, personal device 50 may initiate contact with personaldevice 44 directly through communication device 52 and the informationmay be accessed. In this way, storage device 42 is not used to providedirect access to the information.

System 40 may use proprietary communication networks that are notdirectly part of other well known communication networks, such as theInternet. This may provide greater security and privacy to users.

Although the description above contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some embodiments of this invention.Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. The electronic device of claim 28,wherein the automatic synchronization is performed using an Internetconnection established via the communication interface by communicatingencrypted personal data.
 4. The electronic device of claim 28, whereinthe automatic synchronization is performed using a packet datacommunication service of cellular mobile network via the communicationinterface by communicating encrypted personal data.
 5. The electronicdevice of claim 28, wherein the personal data comprises phone bookinformation.
 6. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the personaldata comprises images.
 7. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein thepersonal data comprises appointment books.
 8. The electronic device ofclaim 28, wherein the personal data comprises calendar information. 9.The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the personal data includesphone book information, images, and calendar information.
 10. Theelectronic device of claim 9, wherein the personal data further includesappointment book information.
 11. The electronic device of claim 9,wherein the personal data further includes audio files.
 12. Theelectronic device of claim 28, wherein the updated personal data iscapable of being received using a second communication network differentfrom a first communication network used to provide the user accountinformation to the server.
 13. The electronic device of claim 28,wherein the server is a server system including a plurality of servers.14. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the automaticsynchronization is performed periodically.
 15. An electronic device formanaging personal data, the electronic device comprising: a memory; acommunication interface configured to communicate with a server; and acontroller configured to control the communication interface to provide,to the server, user account information associated with at least one ofidentification information and authentication information, and toperform, with the server, an automatic synchronization of personal datastored in the memory and personal data associated with the user accountin the server corresponding to the user account, wherein the controlleris capable of performing the automatic synchronization by automaticallyproviding to the server, when the personal data stored in the memory ischanged, the changed personal data, and automatically receiving from theserver, when the personal data associated with the user account in theserver is updated, the updated personal data associated with the useraccount.
 16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the automaticsynchronization is performed using an Internet connection establishedvia the communication interface by communicating encrypted personaldata.
 17. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the automaticsynchronization is performed using a packet data communication serviceof cellular mobile network via the communication interface bycommunicating encrypted personal data.
 18. The electronic device ofclaim 15, wherein the personal data comprises phone book information.19. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the personal datacomprises images.
 20. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein thepersonal data comprises appointment books.
 21. The electronic device ofclaim 15, wherein the personal data comprises calendar information. 22.The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the personal data includesphone book information, images, and calendar information.
 23. Theelectronic device of claim 22, wherein the personal data furtherincludes appointment book information.
 24. The electronic device ofclaim 22, wherein the personal data further includes audio files. 25.The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the updated personal data iscapable of being received using a second communication network differentfrom a first communication network used to provide the user accountinformation to the server.
 26. The electronic device of claim 15,wherein the server is a server system including a plurality of servers.27. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the automaticsynchronization is performed periodically.
 28. An electronic device formanaging personal data, the electronic device comprising: a memory; acommunication interface configured to communicate with a server; and acontroller configured to control the communication interface to provideto the server user account information associated with at least one ofidentification information and authentication information, and toperform, with the server, an automatic synchronization of personal datastored in the memory and personal data associated with the user accountin the server by: upon detecting the personal data stored in the memoryhas changed, establishing a communication connection with the server andautomatically providing to the server the changed personal data over theestablished communication connection; and receiving from the server,when the personal data associated with the user account in the server isupdated, the updated personal data associated with the user account. 29.An electronic device for backing up and restoring personal data, theelectronic device comprising: a memory that stores personal dataassociated with a user account stored on a server; and a controllerconfigured to: perform, upon detecting changes to personal data storedin the mobile device, a backup function by: establishing a firstcommunication connection with the server; and transmitting to the serverthe changed personal data over the first communication connection; andperform a restore operation by: receiving, over a second communicationconnection, personal data associated with the user account which hasbeen changed by at least one of the server and another electronic deviceassociated with the user account.
 30. A method for managing personaldata, comprising: storing, on an electronic device, personal dataassociated with a user account, the user account being stored on aserver and being configured to allow a plurality of electronic devicesto be associated with it, where one or more kinds of personal dataassociated with the user account are designated to be subject toarchival functions among all electronic devices associated with the useraccount, the archival functions comprising at least one of a backupoperation and a restore operation; performing the backup operation, whenone of the designated one or more kinds of personal data stored on theelectronic device is changed, by automatically uploading to the serverthe changed personal data so as to update the personal data on all otherelectronic devices associated with the user account; and performing therestore operation by receiving from the server personal data whichcomprises one of the designated one or more kinds of personal data andwhich has been changed by another of the all electronic devicesassociated with the user account and updating the personal data storedon the electronic device with the changed personal data received fromthe server.